Backpack

ABSTRACT

A backpack assembly including a bag portion having at least one pouch and a harness assembly coupled to the bag portion for securing the bag portion to a user. The harness assembly includes first and second shoulder strap assemblies extending from the bag portion at a spaced distance apart from one another sufficient to align each first and second strap assembly with a respective shoulder region of a user. The back portion of the bag portion is configured to define a concave planar surface for confirming to a user&#39;s back. The bag portion has a width greater than that of it&#39;s length such that when the bag portion is fitted to the back of a user the bag portion is entirely disposed on a upper back portion of a user.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/161,290 filed Mar. 18, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to backpacks, and more specifically, to backpacks configured for use in sporting and like activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks have become very popular and are used by students, people in the workplace, and individuals in general for carrying items in a convenient manner. One problem with conventional backpack assemblies is that individuals engaged in activities such as sporting activities have found backpacks difficult to use given there relatively large size which often encumbered their movements. Additionally, conventional backpacks have a vertical profile relative to a user's back which often makes it virtually impossible for a user wearing the backpack to recline fully on a seated surface, such as a ski-lift, due to the presence of a back rest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a backpack assembly is described in which an aspect of the invention includes providing a bag portion having at least one pouch and a harness assembly coupled to the bag portion for securing the bag portion to a user. The harness assembly includes first and second shoulder strap assemblies extending from the bag portion at a spaced distance apart from one another sufficient to align each first and second strap assembly with a respective shoulder region of a user. Each first and second strap assembly includes an elongate strap having opposing first and second ends; a top strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein the first end is coupled to the first end of the elongate strap and the second end is coupled to a top portion of the bag portion; a bottom strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein the first end is coupled to the second end of said elongate strap and the second end is coupled to a bottom portion of the bag portion; and a chest stabilizing strap having an adjustable length extending between the elongate strap of each first and second strap assembly.

In further, optional aspects, the back portion of the bag portion is configured to define a concave planar surface for confirming to a user's back. Also, the bag portion has a width greater than that of it's length such that when the bag portion is fitted to the back of a user the bag portion is entirely disposed on a upper back portion of a user. The bag portion is preferably dimensioned such that when fitted to a user enables a user to sit on a seated surface having a backrest such that the bag portion does not interfere with said backrest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be understood with reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention taken together in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user wearing the backpack according to an illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front surface of the backpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the backpack of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a shoulder strap assembly of the backpack of FIG. 3.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an illustrated embodiment of the present invention is shown. The present invention is not limited in any way to the illustrated embodiment as the illustrated embodiment described below is merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that any structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The present invention backpack in accordance with an illustrated embodiment is generally designated by reference numeral 10. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, backpack 10 includes a bag portion 12 that is worn by a person (user) 100 (FIG. 1). The backpack 10 is worn utilizing a harness assembly having three straps. The straps include two vertically extending shoulder strap assemblies 16, 18 and a stabilizing chest strap 20. The structure and functionality of the straps 16, 18 and 20 will be discussed further below.

With primary reference to FIG. 2, the bag portion 12 generally has a rectangular configuration configured to rest adjacent to an upper back plane of a user 100, as depicted in FIG. 1. The backpack 10 has a front surface 22 and opposing rear surface 24, a top surface 26 and opposing bottom surface 28. The backpack 10 is configured and dimensioned such that it has a width generally configured to extend between the shoulder blades of a user 100. It also has a length that is less than its aforesaid width such that when the backpack 10 is fitted to a user, its bottom surface 28 is adjacent a region slightly below the user's 100 shoulder blades while its top portion is adjacent in proximity to the top of the user's shoulder, as depicted in FIG. 1.

When backpack 10 is fitted to a user 100 (as described below), it provides an advantageous fit thereto as it enables the user to sit on a seated surface (such as ski lift) wherein the user's back may rest against a back rest 120 of the seated surface 130 in an unimpeded manner. As shown in FIG. 1, a distance “A” is provided along the back of a user 100 fitted to the backpack 10 which is unimpeded by the backpack 10 and is of a sufficient length to accommodate a majority of backrests. Hence, when using conventional backpacks, the user had to first remove the backpack before the user could rest against a back rest. This was extremely disadvantageous (and dangerous) in many situations including when a user desired to sit on a ski chair-lift as the user's hands were occupied with ski poles. Additionally, disembarking from a chair-lift while a user is holding a backpack creates a dangerous situation for the user and those around the user.

With reference to FIG. 2, the bag potion 12 includes first and second zippered pouches 30,32 extending outwardly from a primary pouch portion 34 extending along the length of the backpack 10. The bag portion 12 may also include provision of a zippered expansion assembly 36 enabling expansion of the primary pouch portion 34. While backpack 10 is illustrated to have the aforesaid pouches and expansion assembly, it is not to be understood to be limited thereto as it may encompass numerous compartment/pouch configurations. For instance, divisions may be provided in the pouches that separate items. Additional compartments (pouches) can be added.

Preferably, the bag portion 12 is fabricated from a synthetic water repellant or water proof material (but is not to be understood to be limited thereto) for interaction with outdoor elements.

With primary reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, each shoulder strap assembly 16, 18 includes an elongated primary padded member 50, 52 wherein a top strap adjustment assembly 54, 56 has a first end portion affixed to and extending from the top of each respective primary padded member 50, 52 and an opposing second end portion affixed to and extending from the top of the bag portion 12. The strap adjustment assemblies 16, 18 are disposed at a spaced distance relative to one another such that each top strap adjustment assembly 54, 56 rests against the shoulder region when backpack is fitted to a user 100. Each top strap adjustment assembly 54, 56 is adjustable in length through a respective length adjustment buckle 60, 62. Such buckles are well known in the art and by pulling each strap 56, 58 through a respective buckle 60, 62 such that the strap 56, 58 may be shortened or increased in length.

Likewise, at the bottom end portion of each elongated primary padded member 50, 52 is provided a bottom strap adjustment assembly 70, 72 each having a first end affixed to and extending from the bottom of each respective primary padded member 50, 52 and an opposing second end portion affixed to and extending from the bottom 28 of the bag portion 12 at a spaced distance relative to one another such that each top strap adjustment assembly 54, 56 rests against the shoulder region when backpack is fitted to a user 100. Each bottom strap adjustment assembly 70, 72 is adjustable in length through a respective length adjustment buckle 74, 76 by pulling each strap 70, 72 through a respective buckle 74, 76 such that the strap 70, 72 may be shortened or increased in length.

A stabilizing chest strap assembly 20 is disposed between and is adjustably affixed to each primary padded member 50, 52. The chest strap assembly 20 includes first and second straps 80, 82 each having a first end coupled to a conventional click-lock assembly 90. Each first and second strap 80, 82 of chest strap assembly 20 includes a second end affixed to a respective coupling member 90, 92 that is affixed to, and slidably translates, in a vertical orientation, along each respective primary padded member 50, 52. A tongue and groove fit 98 between each aforesaid coupling member 90, 92 and primary padded member 50, 52 facilitates the adjustable fitting between each aforesaid element.

Preferably, the primary padded members 50, 52 are fabricated of the same material or similar materials as the bag portion 12 and the adjusting straps are of nylon webbing material or like material. The chest strap assembly 20 is also preferably fabricated of nylon webbing.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the back surface 24 of bag portion 12 of backpack 10 is shaped and configured to form a generally concave configuration. It is intended this generally concave surface will nest with the generally convex surface of a user's upper back portion when backpack 10 is fitted to a user 100.

When backpack 10 is fitted to a user 100, each strap assembly 16, 18 extends atop the shoulder of the user 10 to affix the bag portion 12 to the top planer portion of a user's back (as mentioned above). A top portion of each primary padded member 50, 52 (of each strap assembly 16, 18) is adjustable relative to the top portion 26 of the bag portion 12 via top strap adjustment assemblies 56, 58. Likewise, a bottom portion of each primary padded member 50, 52 is adjustable relative to the bottom portion 28 of the bag portion 12 via bottom strap adjustment assemblies 70, 72. The chest strap assembly 20 extends horizontal across the chest region of the user and is adjustable in a vertical plane, via aforesaid coupling members 90, 92, such that the chest strap assembly is comfortably, and securely, affixed to the chest region of the user 100. Thus, the adjustable features of shoulder strap assemblies 16 and 20, with that of the chest assembly 20 ensures a snug and comfortable fit of backpack 10 with a user 100, even during a sporting activity such as skiing while prohibiting that backpack from moving indiscriminately on the back while activity is performed. Therefore, since the present invention backpack 10 has a “horizontal” configuration and fit relative to a user, it provides a fit that is more ergonomically conductive to movement when the user is engaged in various activities including sporting activities and military and law enforcement activities. It is to be appreciated that when a user is fitted to the present invention backpack 10, the user can run at high speeds wherein the user's movement is not impeded like that caused by prior art backpacks having a more vertical configuration and fit to a user.

Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. For instance, while the main objective is to use the invention on the back, the invention can also be used on the front of the user's torso.

Although illustrated embodiments of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

1. A backpack assembly comprising: a bag portion having at least one pouch; a harness assembly coupled to the bag portion for securing the bag portion to a user, said harness assembly including: first and second shoulder strap assemblies extending from the bag portion at a spaced distance apart from one another sufficient to align each said first and second strap assembly with a respective shoulder region of a user, each said first and second strap assembly including: an elongate strap having opposing first and second ends; a top strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein said first end is coupled to said first end of said elongate strap and said second end is coupled to a top portion of said bag portion; a bottom strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein said first end is coupled to said second end of said elongate strap and said second end is coupled to a bottom portion of said bag portion; and a chest stabilizing strap having an adjustable length extending between said elongate strap of each said first and second strap assembly.
 2. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein a back portion of said bag portion is configured to define a concave planar surface for confirming to a user's back.
 3. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said bag portion has a width greater than that of it's length such that when said bag portion is fitted to the back of a user the bag portion is entirely disposed on a upper back portion of a user.
 4. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said bag portion is dimensioned such that when fitted to a user enables a user to sit on a seated surface having a backrest such that said bag portion does not interfere with said backrest.
 5. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said seated surface is a ski chair-lift.
 6. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each said elongate strap includes a padded member.
 7. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each said top strap member includes a buckle member for enabling said length adjustability of said top strap.
 8. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each said bottom strap member includes a buckle member for enabling said length adjustability of said bottom strap.
 9. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said stabilizing chest strap assembly includes opposing first and second ends with said first end being slideably received on said elongate strap of said first assembly to move along a vertical axis and said second end being slideably received on said elongate strap of said second assembly to move along a vertical axis so as to adjust the position of said stabilizing chest strap along a portion of a user's chest region.
 10. A backpack assembly including a bag portion and a harness assembly coupled to the bag portion for securing said bag portion to a user, said bag portion comprising: a body member defining at least one pouch for storing items wherein said body member has a width greater than that of it's length such that when said bag portion is fitted to the back of a user the bag portion is entirely disposed on a upper back portion of a user wherein a back portion of said bag portion is configured to define a concave planar surface for confirming to a user's back.
 11. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said bag portion is dimensioned such that when fitted to a user enables said user to sit on a seated surface having a backrest such that said bag portion does not interfere with said backrest.
 12. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said seated surface is a ski chair-lift.
 13. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein said harness assembly includes: first and second shoulder strap assemblies extending from the bag portion at a spaced distance apart from one another sufficient to align each said first and second strap assembly with a respective shoulder region of a user, each said first and second strap assembly including: an elongate strap having opposing first and second ends; a top strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein said first end is coupled to said first end of said elongate strap and said second end is coupled to a top portion of said bag portion; a bottom strap member of an adjustable length having opposing first and second ends wherein said first end is coupled to said second end of said elongate strap and said second end is coupled to a bottom portion of said bag portion; and a chest stabilizing strap having an adjustable length extending between said elongate strap of each said first and second strap assembly.
 14. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each said elongate strap includes a padded member.
 15. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each said top strap member includes a buckle member for enabling said length adjustability of said top strap.
 16. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each said bottom strap member includes a buckle member for enabling said length adjustability of said bottom strap.
 17. A backpack assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said stabilizing chest strap assembly includes opposing first and second ends with said first end being slideably received on said elongate strap of said first assembly to move along a vertical axis and said second end being slideably received on said elongate strap of said second assembly to move along a vertical axis so as to adjust the position of said stabilizing chest strap along a portion of a user's chest region. 